Need to Know

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski and Ambassador Philip Reeker, Chair of the Global Europe Program at the Wilson Center, discuss key takeaways from NATO's 75th anniversary summit. They explore the legacy of the alliance, as well as its future, as it responds to a growing and evolving array of global challenges.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski, discuses the history and future of US-China agriculture cooperation with Dr. Karen Mancl. She is a professor and water quality specialist at the Ohio State University and a fellow with the Wilson Center's China Environment Program. In addition to exploring the history of cooperation between the two countries, Mancl talks about the impact on trade, the value of scientific exchanges, and hopes for shared climate change solutions. Join us for an insightful discussion of how these two global powers are working together in the field of agriculture despite their ongoing competition in other areas.

In this episode of the Need to Know, we delve into the recent G7 Summit, focusing on the current state of US global competitiveness and assorted economic challenges. Host John Milewski speaks with Mark Kennedy, Director of the Wilson Center's Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition. Kennedy is a former Member of Congress and a former university president. He provides insights into the implications of China's economic strategies, ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities, and the importance of maintaining unity among G7 nations. 

In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski explores what we know and what we think we know about North Korea with expert insights from Sung-Yoon Lee, a Fellow with the Wilson Center’s Indo-Pacific Program. Yoon explains the complexities behind North Korea's strategic maneuvers, military ambitions, and the intricacies of its ruling regime. He also dispels common myths and provides a clear-eyed analysis of the motivations and tactics of one of the world's most secretive and misunderstood nations. 

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses Mexico's elections with guest Lila Abed, acting director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute. Lila was an International Electoral Observer of Claudia Sheinbaum's, historic victory that will make her Mexico's first female president when she's sworn into office. They discuss the larger political landscape, Sheinbaum's potential policies, the implications of AMLO's legacy, and the possible impact on US-Mexico relations. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of Mexico's largest and most consequential elections.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discuses US policy on Taiwan with Wilson Center Indo-Pacific Program Director, Shihoko Goto. They explore the complexities and nuances of maintaining strong ties to a most important US trade partner, while acknowledging the "one China principle."  They also discuss China's efforts to increase its own economic ties to Taiwan and the risk-reward factors related to Chinese investment. Additionally, Goto provides insights into the challenge of helping Taiwan remain secure while avoiding direct confrontation with China. As the title says, it's complicated!

In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the recent direct attack by Iran on Israel and its implications for the region with the Wilson Center’s Middle East Program Director Merissa Khurma. She provides insights into the shifting dynamics and potential consequences of this escalation, highlighting the delicate balancing act for countries like Jordan and the critical role of US leadership in pursuing de-escalation and stability.

In this episode of the Need to Know, host John Milewski explores the evolving landscape of warfare shaped by unmanned aerial vehicles with his guest, Dr. Jack Watling. Dr. Watling is a Wilson Center Global Fellow and senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. They discuss a new study, co-authored by Jack, that focuses on the impact of UAVs on land forces, drawing insights from contemporary conflicts like the one in Ukraine. From precision strikes to procurement challenges, this discussion navigates the complexities of adapting military strategies to technological advancements. It also provides valuable information for lawmakers who will be making funding decisions on weapons systems that are changing the way wars are conducted.

In this episode of Need to Know, we focus on Pakistan's political and economic situation, as well as its relationship with the United States. Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Wilson Center's IndoPacific program, covers topics such as the health of democracy in the wake of the recent election, the country's ongoing economic crisis, and the value of US support for democracy and human rights. Kugelman highlights the challenges and complexities facing Pakistan and provides insights into the current state of affairs.

In this episode of the Need to Know John Milewski takes a look into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) and the dynamic supply chains essential to their development and manufacturing. Joined by a panel of experts, including Duncan Wood, Jasper Jung, and Sham Kunjur, shed light on the impact of the evolution of EV supply chains, the impact of legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, and the importance of partnerships and investment in critical minerals processing infrastructure. 

In this episode of the Need to Know podcast from the Wilson Center, Ambassador Mark Green, President and CEO of the Wilson Center, shares his recent firsthand observations from Ukraine, marking the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. From the war-torn streets to underground schools in subway stations, Ambassador Green provides a vivid account of the destruction caused by Russian attacks and the courageous response of Ukrainians rebuilding their lives amidst ongoing conflict. He emphasizes the urgent need for international support, both humanitarian and military, to address the staggering displacement crisis and bolster Ukraine's efforts to resist Russian aggression.

In this episode of Need to Know, Eddy Acevedo, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President and CEO of the Wilson Center, discusses the year ahead for the U.S. Congress. He lists other priorities Congress is juggling in addition to appropriations and supplemental funding. Acevedo shares insights from his experience working on the Hill and emphasizes the importance of bipartisan collaboration. He also touches on the role of Congress in shaping foreign policy and talks about the critical need for reliable information for those making public policy decisions. 

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski explores the implications of the conflict between Hamas and Israel on the Abraham Accords with Merissa Khurma, director of the Wilson Center's Middle East program. They review the status of the accords before the Hamas attack and how things have changed since the outbreak of war. They also explore the possible long-term consequences of the war on the future of the accords and their promise of greater regional stability. 

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski, dives into the critical issue of the United States' involvement in the global effort to combat malaria with Wilson Center CEO, Ambassador Mark Green. Ambassador Green explores the progress made over the years and the ongoing challenges in the fight against malaria, while highlighting the humanitarian and economic reasons behind the US's vital role in this battle and the importance of international coordination and continued support for malaria eradication efforts.

In this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski discusses the state of affairs in Afghanistan, two years after the U.S. withdrawal, with Wilson Center South Asia Institute Director Michael Kugelman. Kugelman paints a dire picture of the situation under Taliban rule, particularly as it relates to food security and the status of women. They also discuss the possibility of Afghanistan once again becoming a safe haven for terrorists and whether there is any reason for optimism about possible changes within the Taliban regime.

In this episode of Need to Know, John Thon Majok, Director of the Wilson Center’s Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative, discusses the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan with host John Milewski. They explore the complex issues surrounding Afghan refugees who have found temporary homes and those that remain internally displaced within the country. Majok describes the root causes of displacement and the long-term commitment that will be necessary to address this global crisis effectively.

While the border between the U.S. and Mexico is often in the news as a problem, it could just as easily be viewed as one of the greatest economic assesets for both nations. Mexico Institute Director Andrew Rudman talks with host John Milewski about idea for building a more competitive situation on the border. They discuss post-pandemic recovery, new technologies that can improve information sharing, and how people can better capitalize on the opportunities cross-border trade offers.

On this episode of “Need to Know,” Robert Daly, Director of the Wilson Center’s Kissinger Institute on China and the United States, joins host John Milewski to talk about the impact of Biden’s reference to Xi Jinping as a “dictator.”  They also discuss recent diplomatic efforts by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and whether his trip to China paved the road for future high-level meetings between the two countries. Milewski and Daly also look at potential strategies to rebuild the US-China relationship.

In this episode of Need to Know, Kellee Wicker, Director of the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program (STIP), speaks with host John Milewski about artificial intelligence. 

They discuss concerns about AI, the need for guidelines and regulations, and the recent statement from the White House. Kellee recaps a discussion she moderated for Members of Congress that featured Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and creator of ChatGPT. She also provides tips on where regulators and others can find the best and most accurate information about the latest developments in AI. 

On this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with Andrew Walmsley, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation. They discuss expectations for the 2023 Farm Bill and how it might address changes and challenges the agriculture community has faced during the past several years. Walmsley says that if lawmakers get it right, the legislation can help farmers adapt and provide them with the security that will allow them to maintain a competitive advantage in a continuously evolving environment. 

In this episode of Need to Know, Deputy Director of Congressional Relations, Erin Jarnagin, provides an overview of the 2023 Farm Bill. She explains what's covered by the bill, how much we should expect it to change from last time around, and what impact the Russian invasion of Ukraine may have on the legislation. Erin also provides thought on the process and timeline for passage. 

On this episode of Need to Know, host John Milewski speaks with the Director of the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation Program, Kellee Wicker, on the value of cryptocurrency for international finance, its downsides, and where the digital asset might be headed in the future.

On this episode, Mexico Institute Director, Andrew Rudman, speaks with host John Milewski about what we Need to Know about security concerns on the US-Mexico border. They discuss which policies are working and which aren’t, what life is like in border communities, and where opportunities might exist to build consensus around new policy options on Capitol Hill.

On this episode of “Need to Know,” the Wilson Center’s VP for Strategy & New Initiatives, Duncan Wood, joins host John Milewski to talk about the importance of affordable, available, and secure energy sources, and the challenges countries face in reaching that goal.

On this episode of "Need to Know," the Wilson Center’s China expert, Robert Daly, joins Host John Milewski to talk about the significance of recent protests in China, how the country is advancing its interests in the Middle East, and how President Xi Jinping is trying to shape the global order.

In this edition of Need to Know, we are joined by Raoni Rajao, a Fellow of the Wilson Center's Latin American Program. He talks about his experience at COP27 and covers the climate change debates taking place at the conference. Rajao, also explains who the key players are, what challenges they face, and how talks have progressed since he attended his first COP seven years ago.

In this episode of Need to Know, we speak with Wilson Center Fellow Marina Ottaway and Haleh Esfandiari, Director Emerita and Distinguished Fellow with the Center’s Middle Program, about the ongoing protests in Iran sparked by the death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini while in police custody. They describe how women are leading the charge, provide context on the role of leadership and organization in similar movements, and discuss whether these protests can succeed where others have failed.

Former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Sherri Goodman joins Need To Know to discuss a couple of interesting recent developments in the arctic that are of interest.  We've always said the Arctic has emerged, and it continues to be a hot area for policy experts watching multiple portfolios.

A flash briefing for policymakers from Robert Daly discussing the possibility of Speaker Pelosi traveling to Taiwan and what it really means for US-China relations. 

A new initiative has begun at the Wilson Center, the Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative (RAFDI), headed by John Thon Majok, will bring policy makers tools and solutions for these problems, but coming at it from the unique perspective of one who has lived in refugee camps and utilized policy options that were available.  Listen to find out more!

A special episode, taking a look at the predictions our experts made and what became of them. Special thank you to everyone who has helped make this show a success over the last three years!

Fresh back from the West Coast attending the Summit of the Americas, we go over the highs and lows with our Latin America Program Acting Director Benjamin Gedan!

There's a lot of talk about Cold Wars lately, lessons from the first Cold War, maybe a new one with Russia. Perhaps China too? Robert Daly drops by the pod to let us know his thinking on whether we are in a new Cold War with China as an adversary. And how will this Cold War be the same or different from the first Cold War with the USSR? Well you will just have to listen and find out.

Experts from our Canada Institute at the Wilson Center walk us through the causes and iterations of protests in Canada which led to the closure of border crossings, having an affect on supply chains and regular cross border commerce and traffic.  This audio is taken and edited from a briefing we held for congressional staff on February 14, 2022.

With a long history of strife on both sides of the border, the Colombia/Venezuela relationship is one of the most interesting ones in Latin America.  And with one of the world's largest humanitarian crises occurring there right now, it is even more prescient that we talk to one of the world's leading experts on the region, Cindy Arnson.

The ongoing crisis on the Russian-Ukrainian border has brought new attention to how Washington and Moscow navigated the end of the Cold War thirty years ago. Today, Russian officials justify aggression against Ukraine by claiming that NATO had reneged on an assurance President Bush had provided to Gorbachev that NATO would not expand eastward.

Wilson Center President and CEO, Ambassador Mark Green hosted a discussion with the Honorable Robert Zoellick, who was a direct participant in these talks, to explore what was and was not promised in 1991, and the consequences of any attempt to revisit the post-Cold War settlement.

Kazakhstan does not get much attention in US foreign policy, but maybe it should.  Recent protests in the country have uncovered the complicated situation that exists at a place where Russia, the US, and China intersect.  Edward Lemon and Lucian Kim help walk us through it.

Here we go again.  Russia has massed troops at the border of Ukraine and everyone is trying to figure out what Vladimir Putin is thinking.  In this episode, Kennan experts Will Pomeranz and Nigel Gould-Davies help us piece together what is going on what what we could see in coming days.

Everyone likes to talk about China, and we've covered India on our podcast as well, including the relationship between those two neighbors. But what happens when you consider Myanmar as well? Michael Kugelman and Lucas Myers have been tracking this and give us a breakdown of what to look out for.

China and India. Two massive neighbors, with big problems growing between them. Asia Program associates Michael Kugelman and Lucas Meyers help us sort it out and see what could be on the horizon for US foreign policy should the region become a hotspot.

We've heard for years that China has leverage over North Korea. But do they? and if they do, how much, and does that align with US strategy? Robert Daly and Sue Terry discuss.

You know China, and you know the European Union. But do you know their relationship? And how could it affect US Foreign policy? Wilson Fellow Nicola Casarini talks with us about this complicated relationship and where we could see it impact us in the future.

The first in a new series from the Need To Know Podcast - "Relationships and Rivalries."  In this series, we'll take a look at how other countries relate to one another - and where the hotspots could be if the US becomes involved in a region.  In this episode, we dive into the relationships that Mexico has with leftist leaning governments such as Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua. 

Latin American Program Director Dr. Cindy Arnson and Ambassador Mark Green hear from Colombian President Iván Duque and have a conversation with him about the challenges in South America and in dealing with migrants from Venezuela.

In this special event episode, we drop in on a discussion with the Ambassadors from the Abraham Accords signatory countries for their perspective, one year later. Hosted by Ambassador James Jeffrey, the event also includes a message from Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. and United Nations.